How to Add Oyster Shells to a Corn Stove

Corn stoves burn dried, shelled feed corn to produce heat. Although this fuel is efficient, the corn can cause clogs and residue to build up in the stove. This brings down the stove's temperature, making it less effective and more dangerous. Adding oyster shells helps keep the stove clean by sloughing off buildup in the burning area.

Instructions

1. Purchase a bag of crushed oyster shells. They are usually available in the same place as the feed corn used to power corn stoves.

2. Measure out enough corn to fill the hopper of the corn stove. Before dumping it in, use your hands to mix a handful of crushed oyster shells with the corn. About 1/4 to 1/2 cup of crushed oyster shells per load is all it takes to keep the stove clean.

3. Add the mixture of corn and crushed oyster shells to the stove and turn it on. You may hear a squeaking noise coming from the stove as the auger processes the fuel. This is simply the shells rubbing against the metal and is nothing to be concerned about.

4. Add the oyster shells to the corn each time you load the hopper for best results. The shells should burn fairly cleanly and leave little excess ash behind.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the stove by hand about once a month.

References

• Northern Tool and Equipment: Northern Corn Stove FAQ's
• Michighan State: Corn -- A Home Grown Heat Source (pdf)
• Dollar Stretcher: Corn Stove Complaint